Jota180 said:I used to have the LS50's and now have the new model ATC SCM40's. Talk of analytical sound is bollocks, they play music and they play it beautifully. From acoustic guitars, electronic music to rock etc. I'd call it more of an accurate sound than an analytical sound as the latter conjures images of cold sounding speakers.
It's not what people, who are used to ported speakers, hear when they listen to non ported ATC's, it's what they don't hear. That ported speaker bass bloom that people associate with warmth. Call it what you will but it isn't real bass and it's not very accurate bass. It's like an undefined bass noise generated to add weight but lacks accuracy. You can become used to this weight and even like it and when you listen to a non ported speaker you wonder 'where the bass has gone'. It's there and it's a more accurate representation than the speakers that rely on tricks to add weight. I'd be interested to hear the sound a port actually makes isolated from the music.
But, as with everything, you need to try the different options out in your own system.
nopiano said:A few thoughts, having heard both, but not in direct comparison and a couple of years apart.
They are both more detailed and analytical than your LS50s, of which I'm a big fan. I think their compromises are musical ones, which are easy to tolerate. I agree with those who suggest also looking at higher end KEF. Ref 1s sound much bigger than they have any right to; possibly even than the PMCs.
Of the two, the ATC is more analytical, and would require a better standard of amplifier to get the best from it. Though both PMC and ATC are studio orientated, ATC is closer to what I'd call studio sound. The twenty 26 is more living room friendly to my eyes, and should tolerate slightly more compromised positioning.
If I were wanting a very good set up, with say a decent Naim streaming system, I know the PMCs would do the job. If I wanted to review recordings for a living, I might choose the ATC knowing it wouldn't make mediocre recordings sound good.
I hope this gives you a few subjective pointers. Interested in others views.
David@FrankHarvey said:Between the PMC, ATC, and KEF models, it'll come down to which one is more friendly to your amplifier, and which speaker your amplifier is more at ease with.
Jota180 said:and now have the new model ATC SCM40's. Talk of analytical sound is bollocks, they play music and they play it beautifully. From acoustic guitars, electronic music to rock etc. I'd call it more of an accurate sound than an analytical sound as the latter conjures images of cold sounding speakers.
CnoEvil said:IMO. The Ref 1s have the scale and impact that makes them sound more like Floorstanders. Your amp is revealing and mixes refinement with brute force. Its 500W is more than enough power to drive the Refs....but only you can decide if you like the synergy.
The LS50s are brilliant, but the Ref 1s are in a totally different league...but.....if going this route, I would be looking at upgrading your Source at sometime in the future.
In order to get a feel for what your amp and the Ref 1s are really capable of, try to get a demo with something like an Akurate DS as a Source.
Kubs said:Hi Cno - you've got me thinking about my source ... So I've started to do some research into Linn ds and I understand they have released a new majik .... Have you heard it by any chance?
For you and Kubs, there is lots of info on Linn's own forum, though it took me a while to find my way around. There's a whole DS support area, aside from other headings.Native_bon said:Am also considering a Linn streamer. Just waiting on my hand made speakers then take it from there. There seems to be so many versions of the streamers.